MONMOUTH MP David Davies has criticised the postcode lottery in maternity care after new figures revealed Aneurin Bevan Health Board has the highest midwife-birth ratio in the UK.
The Royal College of Midwives says that to maintain safety and quality of care there should be one midwife for every 28 births. An investigation by the BBC Panorama programme found the ratio in the area covered by Aneurin Bevan Health Board is 46.7, well above the recommended level and the highest of any hospital trust or health board in the UK.
The average ratio in Wales is one midwife for every 30 births. In England, it is slightly lower at one to 33.
Northern Ireland meets the recommended level, while in Scotland there is an average of one midwife for just 26 births.
Mr Davies said: “Two of my three children were born at Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny and my youngest daughter was born at home.
“The midwives who looked after my wife did a fantastic job and I have no complaints about the standard of care afforded to my family. However, these figures are extremely worrying and are further evidence of a postcode lottery in maternity care in Wales.
“I will be seeking urgent reassurances from the Chief Executive of Aneurin Bevan Health Board that action is being taken to ensure our maternity units are safe, well-resourced and adequately staffed to provide the quality of care expectant mothers have a right to receive”.